Most scandalous of 2020
Published:Saturday | January 9, 2021 | 12:07 AM
From feuds, to rants, to allegations, some famous local sporting personalities could not keep away from the limelight in 2020, both locally and internationally. These are the five most controversial persons making the headlines last year.
5. Chris Gayle
The self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ went on a rant on YouTube where he not only discussed his reasons for leaving the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise, but it on blamed former Windies teammate and Tallawahs assistant coach Ramnaresh Sarwan. Gayle described Sarwan as a ‘snake’, for what he said was his role in team politics to force him out. Sarwan denied those claims. Gayle also said he was disappointed for how he felt he was treated by fellow black people in the team.
4. Leon Bailey
The national winger and Bayer Leverkusen star was involved in another feud with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) last year. Bailey was critical of the JFF, saying that its selection policy and other key decisions would have an effect on the national programme and possibly also the senior national team’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year. Bailey was not only largely supported by the public, but also a number of his national teammates.
3. Junior Flemmings
Flemmings was making the headlines in the United Soccer League in the United States for all the right reasons throughout the season. He was scoring goals on a weekly basis for Phoenix Rising and seemed not only odds-on for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, but also to secure a move to a team in a higher league. That was all put in jeopardy when on September 30, he was accused by Collin Martin, an openly gay San Diego Loyal player, of using a Jamaican homophobic slur against him. Flemmings vehemently denied the allegation but was first placed on administrative leave by Rising and then fined an undisclosed fee and banned for six games by the league, which cited its code of conduct regarding discrimination. Flemmings did go on to win the MVP award, but has since been released by Rising.
2. Usain Bolt
The world’s fastest man does not have to do much to make headlines around the world. However, attention was placed on him when it was announced that he tested positive for COVID-19. Bolt’s positive result was found just days after his birthday party in August, where many of his closest friends and celebrities gathered, leading to debate about whether the party breached Government protocol on public gatherings. Bolt faced no criminal sanction afterwards as it was revealed that a permit was granted for the bash and the Jamaica Constabulary Force said that no protocols were breached.
1. The Butlers
Craig Butler was in the news yet again as his son Kyle, a national under-23 footballer, alleged that he physically assaulted him during a training at Mona High School in November. Kyle tweeted photos of wounds on various parts of his body as evidence of the abuse he claims has been carried out against his mother and him for years. His mother then posted on Facebook saying she stands behind what her son said, but Craig categorically denied the allegations, saying that Kyle is acting out. It was then revealed that the matter was being investigated by the police and the matter will now be heard in court on Monday.